LOBBYING FIRMS & LOBBYISTS

This chart shows the 128 lobbying firms that reported at least $1 million in income for 1999. Some of these organizations have a handful of employees, while others are Washington outposts of major out-of-town law, accounting, or public relations firms. Two major factors shook up the list of the top lobbying firms. First, the collapse of tobacco spending hit some firms much harder than others. Verner, Liipfert was heavily dependent on tobacco money in 1998; as a result, its reported income dropped 15 percent in 1999. By contrast, Cassidy & Associates had very little tobacco income in 1998; as a result, it maintained its strong growth in 1999.

The second factor is the rise of lobbying firms with GOP affiliations. With both houses of Congress in Republican hands since 1994, firms that hire former GOP lawmakers or donate to Republican congressional candidates have boomed. Since 1997, firms that gave over 60 percent of their donations to Republicans saw their revenues increase by over 20 percent; the figure for firms that donate 60 percent or more to Democrats was slightly less than 8 percent.

In compiling these figures, the Center counted all clients reported by each lobbying firm. Reports stating that the lobbying firm received "less than $10,000" for a six-month period were counted as zero. Earnings of less than $10,000 do not have to be itemized.

Note: Lobbying figures are for calendar year 1999; campaign contributions figures are for the 1999-2000 election cycle and reflect data released by the Federal Election Commission by April 1, 2001.

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